Bridging Scholarship

The Bridging Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for American undergraduate students to study abroad in Japan in a credit-bearing semester or academic-year program. Administered by the U.S.-Japan Bridging Foundation, this scholarship program annually selects approximately 70-100 academically outstanding, financially deserving U.S. undergraduate students as Bridging Scholars. The program provides a cash stipend to help bridge the gap between university-awarded financial aid and the high cost of Japan study abroad, with approximately $300,000 in scholarships awarded each year. Bridging Scholars come from diverse academic backgrounds and interests, often from traditionally underrepresented communities. Each class of scholars represents students from large public universities, small liberal arts colleges, and community colleges across the United States. Their majors span fields from biochemistry to fine arts, but all share a deep interest in Japan, its society, language, and culture. In addition to receiving financial support, Bridging Scholars participate in cohort programming designed to help students build a future as global citizens with lifelong connections to Japan. The program has demonstrated significant long-term impact on participants' careers and relationships. Eighty-two percent of past Bridging Scholars reported that their study abroad experience aided in their career and professional development, eighty percent continue to communicate with their Japanese host family, friends, and professors, and fifty-seven percent are currently working in Japan or for a U.S.-Japan related organization. Students must study in a semester (at least 3 months) or academic-year program in Japan and earn credit that transfers to their home campus in the United States.